Shoppers and sightseers are changing how they travel , LGBTQ+ Canadians are researching more, leaning on tech and sometimes hiding who they are to stay safe. A new Booking.com report shows why preparation matters, what tools people trust, and how hospitality is slowly catching up.

Essential Takeaways

  • Risk vs reward: Nearly four in 10 Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers say they hide their identity when away from home, a split that affects choices and behaviour.
  • Safety habits: Around 40% of respondents now take extra precautions like sharing live locations, deleting dating apps before border crossings or carrying a second phone.
  • Tech help: Almost half used AI to plan trips and many trust it for non‑judgemental, identity‑specific advice; niche LGBTQ+ picks are a big plus.
  • Industry progress: Booking.com’s Travel Proud training covers thousands of properties and a Travel Proud badge helps signal inclusivity.
  • Practical demand: One‑third of Canadian travellers would like an LGBTQ+‑friendly booking filter to make choices easier and quicker.

Why so many LGBTQ+ Canadians still feel the need to be cautious

Nearly 40 per cent of Canadian respondents say they conceal their identity when travelling, a sobering figure that hits before you even pack a suitcase. That contrast with being out at home , where about 77 per cent say they’re open , underlines a tricky truth: travel can still feel like stepping into unknown social terrain. According to Booking.com’s Travel Proud research, safety concerns shape everyday decisions, from who you hold hands with to whether you post photos in real time. For anyone planning a trip, acknowledging that tension is the first practical step.

Small habits that make a trip safer and less stressful

People aren’t just crossing fingers and hoping for the best; they’re building routines. About four in 10 Canadians report taking extra precautions such as sharing live locations with friends, scanning surroundings before showing affection, or removing dating apps before crossing borders. Those small behaviours add up into an approach that’s more about preparation than paranoia. If you travel, consider a safety checklist: emergency contacts, digital backups, and a go‑to local resource like an LGBTQ+ community centre or friendly embassy.

How AI and search filters are changing trip research

More travellers are using AI tools to plan trips and nearly half of Canadian respondents said they’ve leaned on AI in the past year. Many find it helpful because it can offer non‑judgemental, identity‑aware suggestions and surface niche LGBTQ+‑friendly venues that normal searches miss. That said, content creators caution against treating AI as a single source of truth , it’s a starting point, not a substitute for checking local laws and current conditions. Use AI to build a shortlist, then cross‑check community reviews and official guidance.

Booking.com’s Travel Proud badge: does it help you pick the right place?

There’s growing appetite for clearer signals when booking. One‑third of Canadian travellers said they'd find an LGBTQ+‑friendly filter useful, which is exactly what the Travel Proud badge aims to provide. Booking.com offers inclusive hospitality training across tens of thousands of properties, and that kind of formal training can translate into small but meaningful touches , gender‑neutral facilities, correct pronoun use, visible signage. For those who worry about invisibility or misgendering, choosing properties marked for inclusivity reduces guesswork and gives peace of mind.

Practical tips for planning a trip you’ll actually enjoy

Start with layered research: consult AI for ideas, look for badges or filters, then read recent traveller reports and local community forums for on‑the‑ground feedback. Pack for both comfort and contingency , a second SIM or phone, offline maps, and digital copies of important documents. If you want to be visible, pick destinations and venues with strong local reputations for acceptance; if you prefer lower profile, plan routes and timings that reduce exposure. And don’t forget the simple stuff: tell a friend your itinerary and check embassy travel advisories.

It's a small change in planning that can make every trip feel safer and more rewarding.

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